NCJ Number
89857
Date Published
1982
Length
44 pages
Annotation
The California task force established to develop statewide advisory guidelines for the new first offender programs (drunk driver) authorized by new legislation recommends the evaluation of local program effectiveness so that future program standards may be based in what has proven effective.
Abstract
With the enactment of AB 541 and the supplemental bill AB 542, persons convicted of their first driving-under-the-influence (DUI) offense may be granted probation, which may include participation in a program certified by the local county alcohol program administrator and approved by the board of supervisors. Under the new laws, development of standards and the provider selection process occur at the local level; there is no State agency involved in establishing program standards. Due to the scarcity of valid and reliable research on the effectiveness of first-offense DUI programs, most of the task force recommendations focus on the development of such research. Recommendations include the mandating of program evaluation at the State, county, and program levels, as well as the completion of evaluations of first offender programs by December 30, 1985. Due to the unlikely success of enacting alcohol tax legislation to support research and evaluation efforts, these efforts should be funded by a per client assessment not to exceed five dollars. All program standards, including concept, design, evaluation, and requirements of content, duration, and maximum program fees should be determined by the local authority. A mandated ceiling of 5 percent of a program's gross revenues should be placed on the county annual administrative cost related to the first offender program. The addendum contains a February 1982 survey of local first offender programs, the McMillin DUI literature review, and a summary of selected alcohol education evaluation efforts.